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April 2015
Dear Junior Parents,
As many of you already know, this year schools across Oregon are transitioning to the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC).
These tests replace the OAKS reading, writing, and math assessments.
The new tests focus on the Common Core standards for English Language Arts and Math. Each test consists of computerbased testing, classroom activities, and performance tasks that require students to apply what they have learned. These
assessments will help provide our school with information about the achievement and academic growth of our students.
These tests can also be used by students to fulfill the Essential Skills graduation requirement.
Liberty has been preparing to make sure your student is ready for SBAC. Teachers have been working with students on
developing the knowledge and skills that they will need. Our team has also worked to create a testing schedule that
maximizes student opportunities for success.
SBAC testing begins on April 28 and will continue through the end of the school year. Students will be testing in half day
sessions for each of the test components. English Language Arts and Math teachers will inform students about their specific
test schedules. Your student will also receive detailed information at our junior class meeting on April 14, 2015. A copy of the
test schedule will also be posted to our school website in April.
We recognize that many of your students will be taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams and participating in spring sports and
activities during the testing window. Students will still be able to prepare for and take their AP exams and participate in
sports. SBAC make-up sessions will be provided for those students.
As a parent, you can help your student be ready for SBAC. You can review the practice tests with your student by using the
“Guest Access” at http://sbac.portal.airast.org/practice-test/. It is also important to ensure that they arrive to school on time
on the day of their scheduled test sessions.
We are confident that your student will be successful on the new assessments and we appreciate your continued support of
academics at Liberty.
Sincerely,
O.J. Gulley
O.J. Gulley
Assistant Principal